Today on indieWIRE Christine Vachon doled out advice, an up and comer got put under the spotlight, Steve James shared an exclusive and much more.

Steve James Shares a Scene from “The Interrupters”

Steve James’ documentary “The Interrupters” has been garnering praise after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year (it currently has the highest score of any film this year on criticWIRE). Here Academy Award-nominee James shares a scene from his film (produced by James and Alex Kotlowitz, whose original New York Times article inspired the film), and offers a glimpse into his method.

Venice Film Festival Announces Official Lineup

Though highly speculated earlier this week, the lineup for the 2011 Venice Film Festival was officially announced this morning. Joining previously announced opening and closing films “The Ides of March” (directed by George Clooney) and “Damsels in Distress” (directed by Whit Stillman) were a mostly expected list including new works from David Cronenberg, Steven Soderbergh, Roman Polanski, Todd Solondz, Alexander Sokurov, Tomas Alfredson, Mary Harron, William Friedkin and Madonna.

Christine Vachon at NewFest: “There is no excuse not to make your own movie anymore”

Christine Vachon, recently celebrated at NewFest, New York’s annual LGBT event, where she was given the festival’s inaugural Visionary Award, Vachon spoke to an audience at Lincoln Center’s new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center about her early years in the business, her collaborations with Todd Haynes, and how she’s preparing for the future.

“The Future” Star Hamish Linklater on His Future and Writing Love Letters to Miranda July

While Hamish Linklater is a familiar face on the small screen with a lead role opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus in “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and appearances on an array of shoes including “Ugly Betty” and “Pushing Daisies,” he breaks out this weekend on the big screen opposite Miranda July in her second feature “The Future.” In the whimsical romantic dramedy, Linklater plays Jason, one half of a couple whose decision to adopt a stray cat backfires when it forces them to face what the future really holds. Go here for our interview with the actor.

Has George Clooney the Director Returned to Form with “The Ides of March”?

That George Clooney is at it again! Following his mildly received period sports comedy “Leatherheads,” Clooney seems to be back in “Good Night, and Good Luck.” mode with his Venice Film Festival opener “The Ides of March.” The first trailer just dropped for the political thriller and from the looks of it, you’ll be hearing a lot more about Clooney’s latest come awards season.

See What Got Sundance All Riled Up in Trailer for Exploitation Shocker “The Woman”

So you think Kevin Smith’s Christian-skewering horror “Red State” was the flick to stir up the most controversy at this year’s Sundance Film Festival? Think again. Lucky McKee’s exploitation film “The Woman” arrived in Park City without the advance buzz “Red State” came riding in on, but thanks to one very angered audience member, “The Woman” generated its fair share of controversy. Go here for the film’s new shocker of a trailer.

First Look At Newcomer James Howson In Andrea Arnold’s ‘Wuthering Heights’

Andrea Arnold seems to enjoy working with raw, unpolished talent. She directed the completely unknown Katie Jarvis to huge critical praise in “Fish Tank” and the director is hoping to repeat that success with James Howson, another newcomer who landed the lead role in the forthcoming adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” Go here for The Playlist’s first look at the film.